IN THE GRIP OF GRACE
“This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.” 1 John 3:19-20 NIV
Author and pastor Max Lucado wrote a book called “In The Grip Of Grace“, a simple read that I believe is a perfect explanation of the simplicity of God’s grace.
If I were to sum up my take from this book, I would use our theme scripture. John simply tells us that what makes God greater than anyone and anything is the grace that is able to see beyond the worst that is known about us and still choose to shower mercy, love and acceptance upon us.
It is both encouraging and challenging to hold this view in perspective when we are tempted to judge one another, to refuse to forgive one another when we offend each other, or to hold records of wrong. It would be meek of us to remember that the only one who has every moral authority to do so even against us, chose not just to forgive but to die for us that our sin won’t be our undoing. That is why the words of Paul echo through eternity for us who believe:
“let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus, who being in the form of God did not think it something to use to His own advantage. Instead took on the form of a servant and was obedient even unto death!”
It requires obedience because of our own will, we would fail miserably ! Let us therefore offer our sacrifice of obedience by giving one another this same grace we do not deserve. Praise God!
Prayer: Father I thank you for your grace. I thank you for the unspeakable gift that is our Lord Jesus Christ. I rejoice, giving praise and thanksgiving for the privilege of being a priest and a king in your courts, to the glory of your name. Amen!
CI.
